Types of Floor Marking Tapes for Warehouses

It is every warehouse’s goal to keep the whole facility organized, clean and safe from hazards and accidents. Apart from improving the workplace processes and systems, the warehouse accidents could be kept to a minimum when there is consistent implementation of organizational methods. One way to achieve the targets of efficiency and safety is putting in place the right types of floor marking tapes around the warehouse.

As indicated in the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) guidelines on Walking-Working Surfaces, floor markers must be put in all places of employment. At the same time, they should also be found in path or passageways, store rooms and service rooms, and in all other areas where production processes take place. In spots where mechanical handling equipment and vehicles are used, OSHA also requires that clearances, traffic, aisles, stairways, entrances, exits, etc. should also have floor markers.

In areas where human traffic is expected, floor marking tapes must be put in appropriately as well. In processes where the floor surface will understandably get wet or have spills, it must be dried and cleaned, and drainage must be in place. It is also recommended that false floors, mats, platforms or any other dry standing places should be provided.

The General Purpose of Floor Marking Tapes

Floor marking lines are useful for delineating aisles, storage spaces, areas for vehicles, equipment and tool storage, and the like. They come in any color but are usually bright to communicate what they mark. Floor marking tapes come in lines or strips, dots, squares, and other forms. Ideally, the tapes must be durable enough to last a long time, but more importantly, they must provide the needed traction. The floor markers must also have large enough width and length for the areas or purpose where they will be used.

Apart from the most common use of floor tapes, which is to mark aisles and passageways, there are also specifically designed markers which help keep the warehouse safe. They help workers identify safe areas, and act as separators of hazards from people. In the same manner, these tapes also help separate facility employees from motorized traffic. There would be markers where trucks and other warehouse vehicles would be traveling, and where are the workers can walk about safely. Floor tapes also help facilitate safe interaction between pedestrians and vehicles when placed at designated locations.

The Usual Floor Marking Tapes in Warehouses

To choose the best and most suitable floor tapes, each type is explained below:

Solid Color Aisle and Passage Safety Marking Tapes

Ideal for industrial floors, this tape type has solid colors and is built for durability. In particular, it’s designed to endure traffic of heavy vehicles and loads. The main purpose of this tape is to delineate passageways for vehicles and pathways for workers and visitors. It comes in long strips with adhesive backing, and the most common color is bright yellow.

Corners, Ts and Xs

Warehouse facilities undergo frequent changes in layout and arrangements because of the coming and going of products and materials. To keep it organized, there are T-shaped, corner and X tapes that help with the implementation of such changes. They are shaped so that they mark specific floor areas, which tells workers the areas assigned for the equipment or vehicles and for the varying stages or material types used in production. Corner and angle floor tapes are usually reusable, and come in varied colors. Some brands also have contrasting diagonal markings for added visibility.

Striped and Glow Tapes

These floor tapes are long adhesive-backed strips that come in different colors. There’s a vast range of choices as to sizes and colors so that they could be used to fit the color theme of a warehouse. Apart from the purpose of marking certain warehouse locations, the striped floor tapes offer additional safety or precautionary visibility. On the other hand, glow tapes are also strips that emit a brighter glow during daytime, and becomes even more visible when it’s dim or in the dark. This provides extra safety when driving around the warehouse or when working at night.

Arrows

In warehouses, arrows are a very common means of communicating directions. Placed on the floor as marking tapes, they are extremely helpful in sending out signals to drivers of forklift trucks and other warehouse vehicles. Arrow floor shapes are also very helpful to workers as they guide them through proper arrangement and storage processes, as well as routes to take as they conduct their daily routines.

Floor Dots

Another great option for marking aisles and pedestrian walkways is floor marking dots. In particular, dots are helpful for marking areas with heavy traffic when placed between two to three feet of each other.

Footprint Floor Tapes

Probably the best choice for giving walking directions to workers, the footprint design floor tapes are a warehouse favorite. In varied colors and sizes, the footprints mark walkways, and are usually bright colors to aid employees and the public about where they can safely walk.

Industrial Floor Signs

When it comes to emphasizing safety and dangers, there are also specifically designed industrial floor signs that are very helpful for orderly warehouse operations. Through signs and symbols placed on the floor surface, they visually communicate the safe areas, mark dangerous or risky zones, and provide warning about what is up ahead. The most common warehouse floor signs facilitate traffic and mark hazardous areas like electrical panels or heavy equipment. There are also floor tapes that mark slippery surfaces, emergency exits, first aid stations, etc. Many warehouses also require floor signs to indicate restricted areas, fire extinguishers, the need for protective gear, and bay marking signs.

Choose the Best Type

While there’s no arguing that warehouses need to have floor marking tapes to ensure order and safety, the choice of which types to use depends on the specific needs of the facility. In choosing the right kinds, what should be considered is the durability, the suitability to the warehouse setting, and of course, getting the most cost-efficient brand.